2/13/2008

Fight Science Mixed Martial Arts

From Nationalgeographic.com: "At the pinnacle of mixed martial arts (MMA) is the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which has sought to legitimize MMA in a league that has become a pop culture phenomenon. Now, scientists analyze the unique fighting styles and capabilities of legendary fighters like Randy Couture, former UFC heavyweight champion Bas Rutten, former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz and two-time world submission grappling champion Dean Lister. Among the results, scientists determine that Rutten's kick generates a force equivalent to a 35 mph (56 kph) car crash, and Couture's endurance is nearly 10 times better than that of the average person and his blows generate double the force of a heavyweight boxer's best punch."